Give What You Can Give
Father, thank You for enabling me to communicate Your Word. You have called me to proclaim it and I pray that You continue to use me to do so. I am just a conduit for You to use. May it always be so. Amen.
Mark 14:53-65 (<<click to read the passage)
Many of us like Peter because we can relate to him on so many levels. He was definitely an “open mouth insert foot” kind of guy. He liberally spit out whatever popped into his head. And though in many ways he was a coarse, rough-necked fisherman, he also had a sensitive heart. Not that long ago, when asked, he had identified Jesus as the Messiah. No one had told him that. The disciples had not been discussing it – no, the Father had revealed it to him! (Matthew 16:15-17)
In the very next section of Scripture, Peter does what he swears he would never do – he denies Jesus. But I want to stress what we find at this point in time in Scripture.
They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire. vs53-54
When they arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, everyone scattered, and Peter was no exception. But the Gospels tell us that when Jesus was taken before the religious leadership to be placed on trial that another disciple who was “acquainted with the high priest…was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus” (this was probably John) and Peter – catch that – Peter was close behind. He couldn’t enter the high priest’s home but remained in the courtyard. (John 18:15)
Yes, Peter in a matter of minutes would do the unthinkable – he would deny that he even knew Jesus – but now he is as close to Jesus as he can get. I’m sure Jesus’ heart ached for Peter but I would think that He found some solace in Peter’s presence. He would fail but he was sure trying hard to be what he needed to be. He didn’t understand what all was going on but that didn’t stop him from doing what he could. It may have been broken but he gave what he could give.
I, for one, think that that is highly commendable. He had to have been scared. He was confused but he loved Jesus and gave as much of himself as he could. It was only when the questions got pointed that he caved in on himself.
Lord Jesus, we are all vulnerable to failure. And I am sorry to say that way too often I am more than vulnerable – I just plain fail. But as You knew Peter, You know me. You know I love You. You know that I truly desire to do everything I can. But we both know that, in and of myself, I will fail… Only in You can I be victorious. Only in You can I be what You have called me to be. Peter learned that lesson the hard way…and so have I. Thank You for Your long-suffering love…
Aug 18th, 2019, Sun, 5:48 pm
The Disillusioned and Me
Tomorrow will be a day to place my nose to the grind but today continued the blessing of spending time with those I love. Thank You, Father, for time spent with my beloved today! It started off with doctor appointments for us both but the rest of the day was a joy of time spent together.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. James 1:17 (AMP)
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A friend of mine from Facebook posts a daily blog entitled, YOU MATTER! (<<click here to read his post) Today’s post pulled at my heartstrings in that it fleshed out many of my recent thoughts. (We seem to do that with each other quite often!)
He had read an article from Christianity Today entitled, To Spiritual Seekers, Doubters And Abandoners: We’ll Hold A Place For You, (<<click the title to read the article) written by Karl Vaters. (I read it, too.)
I felt that I needed to share, as well.
I know many who seem to have left “church”, as it is in our culture, behind. They have been raised in the “church” and are very familiar with the ins and outs of it but they have become disillusioned with it. I struggle with it, too. I know lots of pastors who diligently strive to challenge congregations to not be satisfied with a surface relationship with Christ but we seem to be wading upstream – against the current.
Many parishioners are content to settle for the status quo. They see no need to rock the boat. They like the way things are. It seems some people’s mentality is “Feed me but don’t expect me to really do anything with it.” “I want to feel good about my ‘participation’ but I have no desire to get my hands dirty.” And those who have left the “church” – those who are on the fringe of it – want nothing to do with any of it.
From their perspective, the living out of our faith is shallow and empty. It is powerless… And that is everything but who Christ is!
Christ is rich and full and oh so deep! And that is the Christ that I want to emulate! That is the Christ that I want to control how I interact with His world!
Paul’s directive for Titus, in regards to believers, speaks volumes.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior… Titus 3:1-6 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, I plead to be more like You! Help me to cast off that of my life which does not please You. May I be a beacon shining bright for all to see. May Your genuineness fill me. Amen.
Aug 15th, 2019, Thurs, 8:36 pm
Faithful Servants
Father, I would pray today for my family. You know each one of them by name and You know everything about them down to the most minute detail. You know their strengths and weaknesses. You know their hopes and dreams. Father, please be with them, draw each of them closer to Your side. May they find their strength and the answer to all of life’s questions in You. Amen.
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Do you pray for your pastor? I pray that you do. I would dare say that, though not perfect, most strive to be what God wants them to be as His children and are diligent about being faithful servants of His flock.
I have just a bit of experience in this area in that I am a pastor, my father was a pastor, my father and mother’s fathers were both pastors, and every one of my six aunts and uncles were either pastors or spouses of pastors. Oh, and two of my great-uncles were pastors, as well. What a blessed heritage!
Do you realize the sacrifices that are made by those of us called to serve the Lord? There are many things I could say but one of the biggest ones is what we give up – time with our families.
Last month was the first time in recent memory that we had the opportunity to go and spend more than just a day with my mom and dad. He retired from full-time ministry at the end of last year (at the age of 81!) Between his full-time work schedule and my part-time ministry responsibilities plus working a full-time job outside the church, getting together was, for the most part, limited to meeting halfway for lunch on a Sunday afternoon every few months and a holiday here and there.
Why? Pastors are connected in so many ways with the people of their churches. We are an important link between them and God. Yes, people can speak to God anytime they desire and realize that He never leaves their side but as pastors, God uses us to give voice to His love and hands to convey His compassion and arms to embrace the hurting and feet to travel where others will not but where we are compelled to do so in His service. We sacrifice…but would truly have it no other way.
My parents just left today. They were able to come down and spend several days in my home! We were blessed to have them with us and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and conversation and food, too, of course! I am so grateful that God opened doors for me to change my full-time vocation so that I now have time to spend with them, as well.
Pray for your pastors – those who serve you now and those who have served you in the past. Most of us don’t get rich in pastoral ministry. Until recent years many lived in homes provided by churches – which benefited them greatly during that time but did not enable them to gain any equity by owning their own homes. Pastor, both active and retired, continue to rely on the Lord’s providence and love. God will surely answer your prayers for these, His faithful servants.
And now, a word to you who are elders [pastors] in the churches… As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NLT)
Aug 14th, 2019, Wed, 2:59 pm
Betrayed
Tonight is a good night for a Psalm of praise!
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:1-5
Mark 14:43-52 (<<click to read the passage)
Betrayal. Not one of the most loved terms in any language. Although there are many throughout history who could have their name added to this infamous list, Judas Iscariot would place at the top by most accounts.
Most despise him for his treachery. Some might even pity him, thinking that he had no choice being that he was the “one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” (John 17:12; see Psalm 41:9) But we all have a choice. God did not make Judas do what he did, He just knew that he would do so.
No one forced Judas to go to the religious leaders and agreeing to betray Jesus for a pittance of silver.
No one forced him to lead the “crowd of men armed with swords and clubs” into the darkness of Gethsemane.
No one forced him to approach Jesus crying, “Rabbi (Master)!” and in doing so the Amplified Bible says he kissed Him [forcefully]. A kiss on either the hand or cheek was a common gesture of greeting and reverence given to a Rabbi by his disciples. The purpose of Judas’ exaggerated kiss would be to help the soldiers identify Jesus.
He chose – with no prompting – with no coercion. Judas. Chose.
Individually, we must decide what we will do with Jesus. As I’ve mentioned before this is no middle ground – there is no straddling the fence. Either we choose to embrace Jesus or we reject Him – betraying Him all over again by refusing to accept the truth of Who He is and what He came to do for us, saving us from our sin and eternal condemnation.
What will YOU do with Jesus? It is your choice and yours alone.
Aug 13th, 2019, Tues, 8:54 pm
Let Your Light So Shine
Father, thank You for the blessings of this day. I am blessed to be able to celebrate the birth of our son, of whom we are so proud. I am blessed beyond measure to be able to spend time with my dad and mom who have come to spend a few days with us. And those are just two of many blessings of which I partook today. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1 (KJV)
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A college friend of mine posted a scenario today that should make us all stop and think.
A few years ago, I was eating at a restaurant when the manager referred to me as the “clean table guy” I think because of how I always try to leave my table. I was taken aback that he had even noticed what I considered a small detail. So, my question is, what are you known as? Our actions really do matter and are seen.
We may not like to think about it but people are watching us, maybe even testing us. Here is another story that has made its rounds via email.
A new pastor in town had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Nobody will even know. Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.”
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change.”
The driver, with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.”
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, “Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter!”
Every action on our part counts. It may make no difference whatsoever what we do but…and that is a very significant “but” …our actions could very well have eternal implications as well.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Aug 12th, 2019, Mon, 9:47 pm